Hills mourn soldier who died in chopper crash Body of Gen Rawat's PSO Satpal Rai expected to reach home in Takdah today; TMC leader Gautam Deb meets Rai's family

SNS, DARJEELING /SILIGURI, 9 DEC 2021 : A pall of gloom today descended on the house of Havildar Satpal Rai, who died in a helicopter crash, along with Chief of Defence Staff Genral Bipin Rawat, yesterday.

Rai, who from the 5/11 Gorkha Rifles, and other army personnel were among those who had boarded the ill-fated helicopter that crashed in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Rai's family at Maaney Dara at Takdah in Rangli Rangliot in Darjeeling district is yet to come to terms with the unfortunate accident that claimed their beloved and members are now waiting for his body to be brought home. Family sources said the body is expected to reach home tomorrow.

Rai's wife Mandira, who is in a state of shock, said today, "My husband last visited here during Diwali and he told me that he warned to retire early, but Bipin Rawatji had asked him to wait till until he too retired in 2024."

According to her, after the retirement, her husband wanted to start a small business as he did not want to stay idle.

Mandira added that he had last spoken to her before the helicopter took off on Wednesday.

"On Wednesday morning, he had called me several times and the last call was around 8.30 in the morning. He asked about his mother and how she was. He said that he would call after they landed," said Mandira. "Later, a relative of mine asked where he was and that a crash was being reported. Hurriedly opened a news channel and learnt about the accident," she said.

Rai's son Bikkal, who is also serving in the 5/11 GR, later confirmed news of the death of his father from Delhi.

Though saddened by the loss of her husband, Mandira is proud that her husband died while serving the country "My mind does not accept that my husband is no more, but I am proud that he lost his life serving our country," she said. People from Rai's village remembered him as a very helpful and jovial person.

"He was very friendly and helpful and enjoyed with us during festivals when he was home. He would also go out of the way to help anyone. It is sad and unfortunate to lose someone so full of life," said Madam Gurung, one of the villagers.

Political leaders expressed their grief and condolences to his family on different social media platforms.

Senior TMC leader and Chairman of the Board of Administrators of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Gautam Deb, also reached Takdah from Siliguri today and offered his condolences to the bereaved family members.

Mr Deb cut short a meeting at the SMC following a phone call from the Chief Minister's Office, sources said. Sources added that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee instructed Mr Deb to go and visit family members of Havildar Rai to offer condolences and stand by them at this hour of grief.